Hiking the Cinque Terre became in the recent years a popular coastal trail in Europe, offering such a picturesque scenery. Covering five towns nestled on the stunning cliffs south of Genova, youโll enjoy a cozy path and pretty beaches.
Crossing the whole trail in one day is a bit tricky, but youโll get the best of it with the most challenging part. From Monterosso al Mare to Riomaggiore stretches 11 km of surprising Mediterrean beauty. Between the colourful villages you can enjoy the products of the local farms.
Basing yourself either in Genova, La Spezia or other Tuscanian town, Cinque Terre offers a fantastic retreat from the city. During my trip it was a rainy day, which was one reason to cut a hike a bit.
Between the busy towns of Cinque Terre, youโll be astonished by the wonders of the peaceful trail.
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How to reach Cinque Terre
Starting at its most northern village, Monterosso al Mare is the best way to take your story of Cinque Terre. From La Spezia, itโs about 20 minutes by train, and from Genoa, one hour.
Except hiking, to move around the Cinque Terre you can take a train between villages. You will need the Cinque Terre Pass for hiking, which also serves as a train ticket for unlimited travel.
Unfortunately, Cinque Terre Pass is not valid for Via dโAmore. Itโs a 30-minute trail from Riomaggiore to Manarola and costs extra 10 โฌ.
What you need to know before going
As mentioned, the Cinque Terre Pass is something to consider before visiting, taking into account your budget. Cinque Terre Trekking Card costs 7,5โฌ for one day or even 15โฌ for the peak season. If you take the Cinque Terre Treno Card, you have unlimited train travel from Levanto to La Spezia. The price depends on the season and costs 19,5โฌ for one day.
Hiking for free is also possible from early November till mid March.
The entire trail takes 5h, but you will need to include photography breaks and exploring the towns. I would highly recommend stopping in the caffe bars on the way where you can try juices from local fruits.
Cinque Terre can be very busy, even on a rainy April day, though not on the trail itself, but in the towns. That also means crowded trains and sometimes even delays.
Staying overnight is a fantastic way to enjoy the beaches, the entire atmosphere and explore it fully. You donโt have to spend a fortune- there are also hostels.
Tips about the trail
The entire trail takes 5h, but you will need to include photography breaks and exploring the towns. I would highly recommend stopping in the caffe bars on the way where you can try juices from local fruits.
You need to check in advance if the route is open for hiking. Due to the rockslides, it can be closed frequently.
Rain doesnโt have to ruin your day like it was for me in April. Take the best of the trail when itโs still without rain as in the towns can be very wet as rain pours on the hilly floors.
The trail is quite cozy all the way inviting you to literally go hopping like running thanks to the seaside views. Some parts can be strenuous so enjoy the challenge.
Corniglia offers a fantastic basil ice cream, even better from Vernazza options.
Where to stay in Cinque Terre
Hostel Ospitalia del Mareโ situated in Levanto, you can enjoy the ancient Augustian friary 100m from the sea;
Affitacamere Stella Cinque Terreโ located in Riomaggiore, it has a lovely garden and a sea view and perfect for couples;
Glam Resort Villa Maria Luigia in La Spezia- affordable place with breakfast and wonderful garden;
About your one day itinerary
- Begin in Monterosso
- From Monterosso to Vernazza continue on the Sentiero Azzuro (Blue Trail).
- Wander through the streets of Vernazza
- Go next from Vernazza to Corniglia
- Stop at the local farms to enjoy a fantastic juice
- Donโt miss the basil ice cream in Corniglia
- Take the train from Corniglia to Riomaggiore
- Stop in Riomaggiore to take photos
- Enjoy sunset in Manarola
Start in Monterosso
Monterosso is the largest of the five towns, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the caffe by the sea. In this way, you can manage the most challenging part in the beginning.
From Monterosso, itโs 2h walk to the charming Vernazza which will pass instantly. Following the lovely beaches of Monterosso, you will start rising along the tranquil olive yards. Seeing the locals working in the field is a wonderful experience is this famous Italian destination.
You will need comfortable shoes to cross these 3,6 km as there are steep ascents.
Hiking the Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzuro) from Monterosso to Vernazza unveils the picturesque views of the surrounding cliffs.
Is Vernazza the prettiest town in Cinque Terre
Before arriving to Vernazza, the most Instagrammable viewpoint awaits for your images. There are several viewpoints around the town, but this one is the most attractive one. This makes Vernazza so wonderful to visit, including the lovely castle on the hill. Youโll be amazed with another stunning viewpoint starting your trail to Corniglia.
Swimming and beaches give you an awesome reason for Vernazza to become your favourite town of Cinque Terre. Along that, relaxing at its harbour makes you stay the whole day in Vernazza.
Vernazza offers the most accessible route to all its sights from all the towns. Through its narrow streets, youโll enjoy the lovely shops, cafรฉ bars, and colourful houses.
Hiking from Vernazza to Corniglia
Another two hours unfold the beautiful path to the third town on the trail. With its 3,5 km you can even succeed to finalize the way to Corniglia in 1,5 h.
Corniglia is the only village in the chain staying away from the beaches. Going from Vernazza to Corniglia is the best way to follow as the stairs to the train station are numerous.
In Corniglia I had the best ice cream in Cinque Terre- the basil one- even though I tried one also in Vernazza.
The best view of the village is by the fountain next to the Cecil Ristorante Camere.
During this section of the trail youโll find several juice bars serving the fantastic nectars of the local farms. Enjoying the view with the cold juice will prepare you for the following route and you can even buy some fruits.
From Corniglia to Riomaggiore
Hiking through the next stage of route takes about 2h, but you will want to take a train. Considering it was a rainy day, I certainly did. Going to the train station is very surprising as it takes numeorous stairs down to reach it.
Riomaggiore to Manarola
Youโll surely recognize Riomaggiore from its Instagram-famous harbour framed by the colourful houses. This fantastic viewpoint leads to a wonderful castle in Riomaggiore.
Via dellโAmore is the shortest hiking section in the whole Cinque Terre route, taking only 30 minutes. Unfortunately, youโll have to pay additional 10โฌ as itโs not included in the Cinque Terre Pass. Not only it started to rain when I arrived in Riomaggiore, but it seemed to me crazy to pay extra 10โฌ for this short hike. Itโs the easiest trail, starting in Riomaggiore and going only one way.
Manarola is known by its sunset views, giving you the picturesque photo opportunities.
Is it possible to hike all the villages in one day?
Taking the challenge to hike all the five villages in one day is a bit strenuous, but manageable. Though if you only want to experience Cinque Terre, taking the train from Corniglia to Riomaggiore is the best option.
In complete, it would take you about 6-7h for the whole trail, including the breaks.
The closer you base yourself to Cinque Terre, itโs easier to take the most of the trail. La Spezia is your perfect choice to enjoy hiking.
When is the best time to visit the Cinque Terre
Due to the warm temperatures, spring and autumn would be the best time to visit the Cinque Terre. With fewer crowds, youโll enjoy the route in a more cozy way. The summer months are popular for the beaches but also pretty crowded. Your train/trekking ticket will have the highest price in summer.
If possible, take advantage of the beach in the late spring or autumn. Instead of the beach, consider taking a private 2h boat tour.
During the winter or precisely from November till March, it can be very quiet in Cinque Terre and perhaps raining. Having the trail free of charge is something to have in mind.
Final thoughts
Cinque Terre unveils a fantastic seaside trail and charming towns to enjoy. As itโs such a pleasant hike, even the strenuous sections become cozy to pass.
Being so popular, itโs on a bucket list of many people.
With fantastic views, youโll be more thrilled every time you enter to a new town.
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